Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is unlikely to play against Brentford this weekend, according to Goal’s Gunners correspondent Charles Watts.

The 22-year-old aggravated a groin injury in the warm-down after the defeat to Manchester United earlier this month, and Watts says Smith Rowe is one of four players who remain on the treatment table:

“Smith Rowe, he’s still very much a big doubt for the game. Cedric, I think we’re looking at after the international break before he’s available, same goes for Reiss Nelson. Mohamed Elneny, obviously we are going to have to wait a lot longer for Mohamed Elneny. Probably until the turn of the year until he’s fit.”

There has actually been some speculation that Smith Rowe may need surgery to fix the issue, and it could be something we hear more about during the international break.

On a more positive note, though, Thomas Partey is expected to be in the matchday squad for the game on Sunday. The Ghanaian international has returned to full training after missing the last four matches with a thigh problem.

While the final decision will be down to manager Mikel Arteta, Partey is likely to be fit enough to start. Albert Sambi Lokonga has played well in the 29-year-old’s absence but the Belgian may well have to make way for his teammate.